PS4 outsells the Xbox One after shifting five million consoles

Sony made the announcement days before the console goes on sale in Japan

A Parisian store shows the joystick of the new Sony Playstation 4 video game console (PS4). (JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

Sony’s Playstation 4 (PS4) has outsold Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Just over five million PS4s have been shifted worldwide since it went on sale last autumn, in comparison to Xbox’s three million.

The Japanese gaming giant said in a statement on Tuesday that it had hit the figure of 5.3million units on 8 February.

According to Geekwire, the console fell behind Xbox One sales for two months before it came out on top.

Sony Computer Entertainment group CEO and President Andrew House, said in the statement:

“I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season,”

“We are delighted that according to the NPD Group's latest data, PS4 was January's top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system's momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of Playstation fans.”

He added that the firm hopes Japanese fans will share the US’ enthusiasm when the console launches there on 22 February.

“I'm looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4,” he said.